The new album from And So I Watch You From Afar undoubtedly starts off in solid Prog fashion with 'Run Home' until midway through when the track has a Mogwai moment before returning to it’s overall prog theme. Excellent so far then!
'These Secret Kings I Know' follows a similar theme and 'Wasps' becomes something heavier but these are all widescreen songs. 'Redesigned a Million Times’ hits Arcade Fire territory, where you can imagine there are at least 8 people in the band, there is that much going on in the song.
The band who hail from Belfast are actually just four, Niall Kennedy - Guitar Johnny Adger - Bass, Chris Wee – Drums and Rory Friers - Guitar
The Prog Rock mood is pretty much where the album sits when we get to the instrumental wedge of the record; 'A Beacon, A Compass, An Anchor' followed by 'Animal Ghosts'.
The title track 'Heirs' stretches over 7 minutes and is another full headphone filling blast which sees the band in full Gentle Giant or Greenslade mode before taking off midway in a heavier Marillion style direction.
Talking about the the album, the band says "Its central theme is about the inheritance of ideas, in that we're all heirs to other peoples' passion, which in turn inspires ourselves." the 10-song album came from of over 30 tracks written in isolation spanning over 6 months in the band's Belfast home.
And So I Watch You From Afar are a prime find for anyone looking a big and expansive sound in 2015. ‘Heirs’ is actually the band’s fourth album so there is plenty to investigate if you are new to the band.
Pete
10/11
You can listen to the album HERE via those lovely people at Sargent House records.
Heirs is available via Sargent House. LP, CD and bundles HERE and digital at iTunes HERE.
The band play Reading & Leeds festivals in August. Other dates and more information can be found on their website HERE